Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) Advocacy Toolkit

Introduction

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a chronic motor skill disorder seen in children and youth, which significantly affects activities of daily living, school performance, and leisure activities. Children with DCD struggle to learn basic motor tasks, such as doing up zippers and buttons, throwing and catching a ball, printing at school, and learning to swim or ride a bike. Effective assessment and treatment should be provided across the lifespan for all children with DCD to improve adaptive functioning (e.g., greater independence with self-care activities, improved written output at school, acquisition of motor skills to enable participation in play and leisure activities), which can have a positive effect on the child’s self-esteem and mental health.

The objectives of this evidence summary are to provide you with an understanding of:

the assessment of DCD;
the evidence-based management of DCD; and
tools and resources to assist you in best practice and advocacy work in the management of DCD.